In+“Mystery+of+Heroism”+Stephen+Crane+explores+what+it+means+to+be+a+hero+and+how+people+influences+heroic+acts.

Period 7- Andrea P., Heather Y. and Louis “Lord” Dupree Thesis: In “Mystery of Heroism” Stephen Crane explores what it means to be a hero and how people influences heroic acts.

Summary: • Fred Collins a union soldier during the Civil War • Collins was thirsty, and was being taunted by his fellow soldiers • Collins then goes to his Captain and asks for permission to get some water from a well, meaning he would have to cross the battlefield • Fred Collins goes to the well, when he reaches he becomes extremely terrified • Collins fills up a bucket of water from the well and begins his journey back to his fellow soldiers • On his way back he comes across a wounded soldier, whom he gives some water to • He continues on his way back when he finally returns • Collins gives the bucket to his fellow soldiers and they horse around and drop the bucket with the water, losing all the water • Collins went through tremendous fear, and it all went to waste

Literary Analysis: Naturalism - an offshoot of realism; like realistic writers, naturalist sought to portray common people and ordinary life accurately They also sought to describe the effect of natural and social forces suchs as instinct and environment on the individual.

Remember: • Notice how the author uses visualization. • What makes a hero? • Is a hero brave or foolish? • Notice the irony at the end of the story.